The “29th Annual National Night Out” has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 7, 2012.
That’s the word from Kelly Hostetler, executive director of the St. Joseph County United Way, who says, “We cordially invite you to be a part of this tremendous event.”
“National Night Out” in St. Joseph County will be on this same day — August 7th, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the St. Joseph County Grange Fairgrounds.
According to Hostetler, a Silent Parade featuring police, fire and emergency vehicles will begin on the west end of Centreville and continue through the front gates of the fairgrounds.
Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2012.
This is a FREE educational event!
Each year in St. Joseph County, the responsibility of the National Night Out event has rotated throughout the police agencies. This year, National Night Out will be hosted by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is designed to:
- Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
- Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
- Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Hostetler is helping with vendor spaces and encourages those who are interested to fill out a sign-up form and return it to her via e-mail or fax. And she points out that “It is FREE to participate and attend!!!”
Any other questions can be answered by either Mark Lillywhite or Jason Bingaman at the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department at (269) 467-9045.
Hostetler says, “Thank you for taking an interest in National Night Out and supporting our police, fire, and emergency personnel in St. Joseph County.”
To download a sign-up form for booth space at National Night Out 2012 at the fairgrounds in Centreville, click here.
